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Archaeologists Discover Ancient Egyptian Pleasure Boat in Sunken Port

Archaeologists Discover Ancient Egyptian Pleasure Boat in Sunken Port

Underwater archaeologist Franck Goddio and his team from the Institut Européen d’Archéologie Sous-Marine have uncovered the remains of an ancient Egyptian pleasure boat, known as a thalamagos, at the submerged port off Alexandria's harbor in Egypt. The discovery includes 28-meter long timbers that were part of a 35-meter long vessel, which was used for feasts and ceremonies. This is the first time such a boat has been found, despite being documented in historical texts by Strabo, a Greek geographer. The ship, featuring a central pavilion and Greek graffiti, is believed to have been built in Alexandria and used for ritual purposes, possibly linked to the temple of Isis and the reign of Cleopatra.

Archaeologists Discover Rare Ancient Egyptian 'Pleasure Boat' in Alexandria Port

Archaeologists Discover Rare Ancient Egyptian 'Pleasure Boat' in Alexandria Port

Archaeologists have uncovered the remains of an ancient Egyptian pleasure boat at the submerged port off Alexandria's harbor. The discovery was made by underwater archaeologist Franck Goddio and his team from the Institut Européen d’Archéologie Sous-Marine. The ship, known as a thalamagos, was a luxurious vessel used for feasts and ceremonies, as documented by the Greek geographer Strabo. This is the first time such a boat has been found in reality, despite its mention in historical texts. The shipwreck, found seven meters underwater, is believed to have sunk during the destruction of the temple of Isis around 50 C.E. The discovery is part of ongoing excavations at the Portus Magnus complex, which has been a site of significant historical findings related to figures like Julius Caesar and Cleopatra.

Two of Trump's peace deals at risk as fighting surges in Congo and at Cambodia-Thailand border

Two of Trump's peace deals at risk as fighting surges in Congo and at Cambodia-Thailand border

At least two of several agreements aimed at ending global conflicts that President Donald Trump has hailed as evidence of his negotiating prowess are in trouble and at risk of collapsing

Archaeologists Uncover Ancient Egyptian Pleasure Boat Wreck Near Alexandria

Archaeologists Uncover Ancient Egyptian Pleasure Boat Wreck Near Alexandria

Archaeologists have discovered the wreck of an ancient Egyptian pleasure boat off the coast of Alexandria. The vessel, estimated to be nearly 2,000 years old, was found submerged in an ancient port complex. Led by Franck Goddio, the excavation by the Institut Européen d’Archéologie Sous-Marine revealed preserved timbers with Greek graffiti dating back to the first century A.D. The boat, known as a 'thalamagos,' was likely used for luxury and ceremonial purposes, possibly linked to the temple of Isis on Antirhodos Island. The discovery provides insights into the life and culture of early Roman Egypt, particularly in relation to religious and ceremonial practices.

Discovery of 2,000-Year-Old Pleasure Boat Off Egypt's Coast Highlights Ancient Maritime History

Discovery of 2,000-Year-Old Pleasure Boat Off Egypt's Coast Highlights Ancient Maritime History

Underwater archaeologists have discovered a 2,000-year-old wreck of an ancient Egyptian pleasure boat off the coast of Alexandria. The vessel, found submerged in the port of the island of Antirhodos, measures over 115 feet in length and 23 feet in width. The European Institute for Underwater Archaeology (IEASM) reported that Greek graffiti on the boat suggests it dates back to the first half of the first century AD, indicating it was likely built in Alexandria. The boat, which was propelled solely by oars, featured a luxuriously decorated cabin. This discovery is significant as it is the first of its kind found in Egypt, despite being mentioned by ancient authors and depicted in historical iconography.

Underwater Archaeologists Discover 2,000-Year-Old Pleasure Boat Off Egypt's Coast

Underwater Archaeologists Discover 2,000-Year-Old Pleasure Boat Off Egypt's Coast

Underwater archaeologists have announced the discovery of a 2,000-year-old wreck of an ancient Egyptian pleasure boat off the coast of Alexandria. The vessel, found submerged in the port of the island of Antirhodos, measures over 115 feet in length and 23 feet in width. The European Institute for Underwater Archaeology (IEASM) reported that the boat, believed to have been built in Alexandria, features Greek graffiti dating back to the first half of the first century AD. This discovery is significant as it is the first time such a boat has been found in Egypt, despite being mentioned by ancient authors and depicted in historical iconography. The boat is thought to have been luxuriously decorated and propelled solely by oars. The site of the discovery, Alexandria, is known for its ancient ruins and is vulnerable to climate change, with predictions that a third of the city could be underwater by 2050.

2,000-Year-Old Pleasure Boat Discovered Off Egypt's Coast

2,000-Year-Old Pleasure Boat Discovered Off Egypt's Coast

Underwater archaeologists have discovered the wreck of a 2,000-year-old pleasure boat off the coast of Alexandria, Egypt. The European Institute for Underwater Archaeology announced the find, noting that the vessel was over 115 feet long and 23 feet wide. Greek graffiti on the boat suggests it was built in Alexandria during the first century AD. The discovery is significant as it is the first of its kind found in Egypt, providing insights into the luxurious lifestyle and maritime activities of ancient Roman Egypt.

Discovery of 225 Egyptian Figurines Solves Historical Mystery

Discovery of 225 Egyptian Figurines Solves Historical Mystery

A team of archaeologists has discovered 225 funerary figurines in a tomb in Tanis, Egypt, solving a long-standing mystery about the burial site of Pharaoh Shoshenq III. The figurines, known as ushabti, were found arranged in a star shape and are believed to serve as servants for the afterlife. This discovery is significant as it is the first of its kind in the Tanis necropolis since 1946 and provides new insights into ancient Egyptian burial practices.

Archaeologists Discover Remains of the Lighthouse of Alexandria After 600 Years

Archaeologists Discover Remains of the Lighthouse of Alexandria After 600 Years

Archaeologists have uncovered the remains of the Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, off the coast of Egypt. The discovery includes 22 monumental stone blocks that were part of the lighthouse's entrance, submerged for over 600 years. These findings are part of the international PHAROS Project, which aims to digitally reconstruct the lighthouse using advanced imaging technologies. The lighthouse, built in the 3rd century BCE, was a marvel of engineering and guided sailors for over a millennium before being destroyed by earthquakes.

Discovery of Lighthouse of Alexandria Remains Enhances Historical Understanding

Discovery of Lighthouse of Alexandria Remains Enhances Historical Understanding

Archaeologists have discovered 22 monumental stone blocks from the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, submerged off Egypt's coast for over 600 years. These blocks, weighing between 70 and 80 tons, are believed to have formed the lighthouse's entrance. The discovery is part of the PHAROS Project, a collaboration aimed at creating a digital twin of the lighthouse. The lighthouse, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, was destroyed by earthquakes in the 13th and 14th centuries.

Researchers Propose New Timeline for Ancient Egypt Following Santorini Eruption

Researchers Propose New Timeline for Ancient Egypt Following Santorini Eruption

A team of researchers from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and the University of Groningen has proposed a revised timeline for ancient Egypt, suggesting that the massive volcanic eruption on the Greek island of Thera (Santorini) occurred earlier than previously thought. This eruption, one of the most significant volcanic events in the past 10,000 years, has been a subject of debate among archaeologists regarding its timing and impact on ancient Egyptian chronology. The new radiocarbon dates related to King Ahmose, who is known for reunifying Upper and Lower Egypt and founding the New Kingdom, indicate that the eruption took place during the Second Intermediate Period, rather than the New Kingdom. This finding suggests a 'low' timeline for the start of the 18th Dynasty, reshaping the understanding of Egypt's interactions with neighboring cultures.

Belgium Returns Ancient Egyptian Artifacts After Decade-Long Effort

Belgium Returns Ancient Egyptian Artifacts After Decade-Long Effort

Belgium has returned two ancient Egyptian artifacts to Egypt following a decade-long effort by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. The artifacts, a gilded sarcophagus from the Ptolemaic period and a wooden beard from the Middle Kingdom, were seized by Belgian authorities in 2015 after being identified as illegally smuggled items. The return of these artifacts was facilitated by an international letter of request from the Attorney General of Cairo, leading to a ceremony in Brussels where the items were handed over to Egyptian officials. This restitution is part of Egypt's ongoing efforts to repatriate antiquities that have been illicitly removed from the country.